Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game
- October 31, 2017
- Hidden Achievement LLC
- 140h median play time
Get on Steam"Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game" is a tabletop-style card game set in the Dresden Files universe. Players work together to solve cases based on novels in the series, using abilities and items of characters like Harry Dresden and Murphy. The game features a cooperative gameplay style, high replayability, and varying difficulties to keep players engaged and challenged.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Phone
Windows
Android
Linux
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- The game is a faithful representation of the physical card game, capturing the essence of the Dresden Files universe.
- Gameplay is quick and easy to learn, with a satisfying challenge that keeps players engaged.
- The variety of character decks and scenarios offers significant replay value, making it enjoyable for fans of the books.
- The game is extremely difficult, often leaving players feeling frustrated due to reliance on RNG and unbalanced scenarios.
- There is a steep learning curve, and the lack of an intuitive tutorial can make it hard for new players to grasp the mechanics.
- Multiplayer functionality is limited, and finding players online can be challenging, detracting from the cooperative experience.
- gameplay42 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by a mix of easy-to-learn mechanics and a high level of complexity that can lead to frustration, particularly due to the heavy reliance on luck and random card distribution, which can result in unwinnable scenarios. While the game offers a rich thematic experience for fans and smooth animations, many players feel that it lacks strategic depth and can be unforgiving, even on easier settings. Overall, the gameplay is addictive and engaging, but improvements in matchmaking and beginner-friendly modes could enhance the experience.
“Even though there are only so many ways to play with the mechanics, each character’s abilities manage to feel pretty different from the others.”
“Love the theme, and the gameplay is quick and easy to learn, but challenging enough to keep me entertained.”
“Animations are smooth and overall gameplay is fun.”
“There's way too much luck of the draw and way too little actual strategy, and the gameplay just isn't that interesting even when a combo works out.”
“The rules are extensive, the gameplay is unforgiving even on easy, and there is a lot to puzzle out.”
“The second huge issue that deals with the gameplay is how the random dispersal of cards can and will put you in situations that are literally impossible to win, regardless of how effective your plays are.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally simple and functional, with a focus on card artwork that some players find appealing while others criticize for its lack of quality. While the game runs smoothly even on older systems and features ambient sounds that enhance the experience, the overall aesthetic is considered underwhelming due to minimal animations and limited graphical effects. The reuse of card artwork can also lead to confusion, but the design is not overly flashy, which some players appreciate.
“To keep players invested, the developer has included wonderful artwork on each of the cards as well as ambient noises that add flavor to each location.”
“I love the art that they put together for this game, with the overall graphics being very simple, but appealing.”
“As with the physical game, I like the artwork (for the most part) of the cards and character depictions, and the card designs themselves aren't overly flashy or obnoxious with their layout or designation.”
“Oh and I just have to say--could the artwork be any worse?”
“I realize they just incorporated the terrible artwork from the actual physical card game.”
“But omg how did they ever market a product with artwork that was done by a middle school art student?”
- story24 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with some players likening it to a collection of random elements akin to "mad libs." While fans of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files may appreciate the thematic connections, the overall narrative is deemed insufficient for those seeking a traditional RPG experience. Additionally, gameplay issues and mission imbalances detract from the enjoyment of the story.
“Epic story.”
“If you are one of the many who have followed Jim Butcher's writings into the Dresden Files, as the characters and story have evolved into an epic tale of modern-day wizardry, this game is excellent to indulge in. If you just enjoy a good short board game with friends online, this is again an incredible game.”
“Can you figure out how to maximize your team's inherent abilities versus this story's unique gimmick?”
“This game has no story.”
“Otherwise, it has about as much story as a book of mad libs.”
“But if you're looking for an RPG, this game isn't it, as there's no real storyline involved.”
- music22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music and sound effects in the game receive mixed reviews, with many players finding the looping background sounds repetitive and forgettable. While some appreciate the unobtrusive nature of the audio, allowing for better focus on gameplay, others express disappointment over the lack of a varied and engaging soundtrack, particularly in menus and during gameplay. Overall, there is a desire for more distinct and memorable music to enhance the gaming experience.
“I like that it's not overly flashy in animations or crazy music; it lets me focus on actual game strategy, and not waiting for silly card flip animations.”
“The background sounds are neat and unobtrusive, and you don't have to put up with someone's idea of 'epic battle' music in a game based on a guy sneaking around to beat the bad guys more through trickery (and then brute force...) than brute force.”
“The music and sound effects are a mixed bag: the music is supposed to vary by each book's deck, but save for one or two noticeable sounds, it all kind of sounds the same and is forgettable.”
“Given the fact that there appears to be soundtrack settings with a number of different track options available, it strikes me as fairly odd that there is very little audio to it.”
“I mean yeah, there's a fair number of sound effects, but there seems to be no music, even in the menus, which makes me a touch sad.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse character decks, varying difficulty levels, and unique scenarios, allowing players to mix and match strategies for a fresh experience each time. Users appreciate the game's ability to cater to different playstyles and the challenge presented by randomized elements, making it a worthwhile investment for repeated play. Overall, it offers a surprising amount of content and enjoyment for its price.
“The variety of characters and playstyles means that there’s plenty of replay value and personal style to enjoy.”
“But the higher difficulties, the different nature of each book, and the different character decks you can try them with offer a wide variety of difficulty and playstyles to complete each scenario with lots of replay value.”
“Overall, it's a fun game with a surprisingly high amount of replayability.”
“Solid replay value - mixing and matching the various characters and scenarios along with the randomized elements makes for a significant challenge each time you play.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed experiences regarding stability, with some encountering only a couple of glitches in a large number of games, while others describe the version as extremely buggy and overpriced.
“This appears to be an extremely buggy version that's overpriced as well.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game features engaging puzzles that necessitate effective optimization for success, highlighting a critical aspect of gameplay that some players find disappointing.
“It's a bit of a pity because the game itself is a fine and interesting puzzle that absolutely requires optimization to succeed.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is appreciated for its thematic absurdity, often eliciting laughter through intentionally silly storylines. Fans of the source material find the comedic elements particularly enjoyable, enhancing their overall experience.
“As a big fan of the books, this game has made me laugh many times with the thematic absurdity I've inflicted on the storylines!”
“The humor in this game is brilliantly absurd, making even the most serious moments feel lighthearted and fun.”
“I love how the game cleverly weaves humor into its narrative, turning mundane situations into laugh-out-loud moments.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted by the distinct talents and stunts assigned to each character, which align well with their design and enhance gameplay through strategic card discards and unique abilities. This thoughtful integration of character traits contributes to a richer gaming experience.
“Each character has a unique talent (used when you discard cards for fate) and stunt (one-time use ability) befitting their character design.”
